Author Bio

Dr. Claretha Hughes is Professor of Human Resource and Workforce Development at the University of Arkansas. Her research interests include valuing people and technology in the workplace, technology development, diversity intelligence, learning technologies, and ethical and legal issues. She has published over 80 articles and chapters in peer-reviewed journals, books, and conferences and has 14 books including a textbook along with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council currently used for certifying manufacturing workers. She serves as a book proposal reviewer for SAGE, Emerald, IGI Global, Palgrave Macmillan, and CyberTech Publishing. She also serves as a grant proposal reviewer for the Swiss National Science Foundation and has served as a grant proposal reviewer for the Minority Business Development Agency in the United States Department of Commerce. She is currently involved in a National Science Foundation Research in Formation of Engineers project as a Co-PI.

She has served in manufacturing leadership roles in food, health care, and textile industries for Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Abbott Laboratories, and Burlington Industries. She has served as VP of Communications, President-Elect, and President of the Valleys of Virginia Chapter of the Association of Talent Development (ATD) – formerly ASTD. She is a national member of ATD and has twice presented at the ATD International Conference and Exposition.  Dr. Hughes received her PhD in Career and Technical Education specializing in Training and Development from Virginia Tech. She also holds an MBA from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, a Master of Textile Technology Management from NC State University, and a BA in Chemistry from Clemson University. Dr. Hughes has over 29 years of experience in business and industry and higher education. She is a certified Master Trainer.